[91.02U] Applications of Java and Vector Graphics to Astrophysical Visualization

We describe a series of projects utilizing the portability
of Java programming coupled with the compact nature of
vector graphics (SVG and SWF formats) for setup and control
of calculations, local and collaborative visualization, and
interactive 2D and 3D animation presentations in
astrophysics. Through a set of examples, we demonstrate how
such an approach can allow efficient and user-friendly
control of calculations in compiled languages such as
Fortran 90 or C++ through portable graphical interfaces
written in Java, and how the output of such calculations can
be packaged in vector-based animation having interactive
controls and extremely high visual quality, but very low
bandwidth requirements.